Sexual violence is a pervasive issue affecting college campuses worldwide. As practitioners working in educational settings, it is crucial to be equipped with effective strategies to prevent such incidents. The recent research article titled Preventing sexual violence in college men: a randomized-controlled trial of GlobalConsent provides valuable insights that can enhance our practice. This blog post will outline the key findings of the study and offer practical tips for integrating these findings into your work.
Understanding the GlobalConsent Program
The GlobalConsent program is an adaptation of RealConsent, a six-session, web-based educational entertainment program initially developed to prevent sexual violence among college men in the United States. The study aimed to test the effectiveness of this adapted program in Vietnam, focusing on cognitive, attitudinal, and behavioral changes among college men aged 18-24.
Key Findings from the Research
- Increased Knowledge: Participants demonstrated a significant increase in their understanding of sexual consent and the legal definitions of sexual violence.
- Positive Attitudinal Shifts: There was a marked reduction in adherence to rape myths and negative attitudes towards date rape.
- Enhanced Bystander Behavior: The program significantly improved participants' willingness and confidence to intervene in situations of potential sexual violence.
- Reduction in Sexual Violence Perpetration: Participants reported lower instances of engaging in sexually violent behavior.
Implementing Research Findings in Your Practice
As a practitioner, you can leverage these findings to enhance your strategies for preventing sexual violence in educational settings. Here are some practical steps:
1. Incorporate Web-Based Educational Programs
Given the success of the GlobalConsent program, consider integrating web-based educational modules into your curriculum. These programs can be particularly effective in reaching a broad audience and ensuring consistency in the delivery of content.
2. Focus on Bystander Intervention
Encourage students to act as allies in preventing sexual violence. Implement workshops and training sessions that focus on bystander intervention techniques, helping students feel more confident and capable of intervening in risky situations.
3. Challenge Rape Myths and Negative Attitudes
Use evidence-based materials to debunk common rape myths and challenge negative attitudes towards victims of sexual violence. Create an open and supportive environment where students can discuss and reshape their beliefs.
4. Enhance Communication Skills
Incorporate training sessions that focus on effective communication and consent. Teach students how to have open and honest conversations about sexual boundaries and respect.
5. Continuous Monitoring and Evaluation
Regularly assess the effectiveness of your programs through surveys and feedback sessions. Use this data to make informed adjustments and improvements to your prevention strategies.
Encouraging Further Research
While the GlobalConsent study provides a robust framework, ongoing research is essential to adapt and refine prevention strategies continually. Encourage your institution to support further studies and stay updated with the latest research in the field.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Preventing sexual violence in college men: a randomized-controlled trial of GlobalConsent.
